Japan Tobacco International

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) is an international tobacco business with a global market share of almost 10 per cent.[1] It is owned by Japan Tobacco Group.[2]

The company was formed in 1999 when the Japan Tobacco Group bought the US multinational RJ Reynolds. In 2007, JTI bought another major tobacco manufacturer, Gallaher.[1] JTI’s headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.

JTI says: "We recognize the risks of smoking and try to reduce them. We are committed to developing reduced-risk products and fostering understanding between smokers and non-smokers, while respecting norms, legislation and cultures around the world. We are open to, and seek dialogue with governmental authorities around the world to address questions about the manufacture, sale and use of our products."[4]

Refuses to Disclose if Funding UK Think Tanks

In May 2012, JTI was asked if it was funding any of the think tanks active in the smoking and health debate in the UK. The company replied: "Please note that we do not wish to participate in your research." [5]

Lobbying UK MPs

Brussels Lobbying

Until January 2011, the Brussels office of JTI was headed by Thierry Lebeaux, who used to work for the PR company Citigate Dewe Rogerson.[6] His successor is Paolo Bochicchio.[7] Bochicchio used to be the EU Government Affairs Director for the European Plastic Converters (EuPC).[8]

In its lobbying register declaration, JTI declares it lobbies European institutions through the following organisations: